Jan/100
OfficialDisplayPort v1.2 Standard
Although the DisplayPort interface is still far from what we’d dare to call mainstream (after all, it’s been implemented, for the time being, in a fairly limited number of devices), it’s very likely that its popularity will greatly improve in the future, especially since we’re talking about a next-gen solution, by comparison to the already “old” DVI and VGA interfaces. 
We’ve tackled the issue of DisplayPort because, during CES, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) formally unveiled DisplayPort v1.2, an extension to the original DisplayPort standard offering many new benefits to the end user.
According to VESA, the DisplayPort v1.2 increases performance by doubling the maximum data transfer rate from 10.8 Gbps (Giga-bits-per-second) to 21.6 Gbps, greatly increasing display resolution, color depths, refresh rates, and multiple display capabilities. Moreover, the new standard supports “multi-streaming,” namely the ability to transport multiple independent uncompressed display and audio streams over a single cable, supporting protected content and high performance applications such as 3D gaming. This enables the use of multiple monitors connected by cable in a daisy chain or hub configuration. Whereas the current Display v1.1a standard can support one 2560 x 1600 monitor at 60Hz, DisplayPort v1.2 can support two such monitors with one cable, or four 1920 x 1200 monitors.
Another new feature is the ability to support high-speed, bi-directional data transfer, allowing USB 2.0 or Ethernet data to be carried within a standard DisplayPort cable. For DisplayPort v1.2, the maximum data rate of this “AUX” channel has been increased from 1 Mbps (megabits per second) to 720 Mbps, providing suitable bandwidth for USB 2.0. The DisplayPort cable can therefore support USB data to/from the display to support Display USB functions, in addition to sending the video and audio information. Standard Ethernet can also be transported in the DisplayPort cable.
DisplayPort v1.2 was designed to be compatible with existing DisplayPort systems and cables. To take advantage of the new capabilities, a PC will need to be DisplayPort v1.2 enabled. However, existing standard cables can still be used, including those with the new Mini-DisplayPort connector. To achieve the 21.6 Gbps rate, the per-lane data rate is doubled from 2.7 Gbps to 5.4 Gbps, over the four lanes that exist in the standard cable. For a single display, this enables up to 3840 x 2400 resolution at 60Hz, or a 3D display (120Hz) at 2560 x 1600.
As you can see, the new DisplayPort v1.2 standard marks some serious improvements over the initial versions, are we’re looking forward to seeing it implemented in more GPU solutions and monitors arriving on the market.
Jan/100
New HA-FXC80 Model of JVC’s
Along with the many other products recently announced, introduced, presented or launched, JVC also announced the addition of a pair of in-ears to its premium Black series headphone line. These are the new HA-FXC80 headphones that mix advanced materials and the company’s Micro-HD driver, all in a uniquely designed cabinet that ensures comfort and a secure fit.
What makes the headphones perform so well, firstly, is mainly the core, that JVC Micro-HD driver, that via development and design is placed in the ear canal, rather than the common placement in the housing outside the ear found in conventional designs. The only result I can find in this is that the wearer’s ear itself will act as the driver’s cabinet, ensuring a more detailed sound reproduction than what happens in other designs along with sound reflections. Also, the sound isolation from outside noise is improved.
A further improvement in the design is the use of a carbon housing and carbon diaphragm, so that overall, the HA-FXC80 headphones deliver crisp, clean sound and that desired and demanded solid and rich bass.The Tri-form design is what enables users to wear the headphones with the cord below the ear or, if they wish, to turn the housing so that the cord is wrapped over the top and behind the ear, ensuring a more secure fit, for jogging as an example.
Even better, the company included detachable soft ear loops for securing even more the over-the-ear placement of the cord, while for the optimum in-ear fit and close to zero sound leakage JVC was kind enough to include three sizes of soft silicon earpieces. With a gold-plated iPhone-compatible slim plug and 1.2m pure copper cord, the JVC HA-FXC80 headphones are available this month for $59.99.